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Party Politics Overwhelmed by the political news cycle every week? We get it — that's why we're 'keeping the fun but losing all the drama' of politics! Party Politics is hosted by Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina, two smart and sassy University of Houston political science professors, who deliver a friendly, funny, and casually informative recap of the week's biggest political news stories. Join the conversation on Twitter @HPMPolitics; use #PartyPoliticsPod to ask Brandon and Jeronimo questions; or email us at partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.
Party Politics

Podcast Directory
Party Politics

Party Politics

From Houston Public Media News 88.7

Overwhelmed by the political news cycle every week? We get it — that's why we're 'keeping the fun but losing all the drama' of politics! Party Politics is hosted by Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina, two smart and sassy University of Houston political science professors, who deliver a friendly, funny, and casually informative recap of the week's biggest political news stories. Join the conversation on Twitter @HPMPolitics; use #PartyPoliticsPod to ask Brandon and Jeronimo questions; or email us at partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Most Recent Episodes

Oops! Did We Just 'Signal' Our War Plans? Pete Hegseth, JD Vance, and Michael Waltz's Grou...

Oops! Did We Just 'Signal' Our War Plans? Pete Hegseth, JD Vance, and Michael Waltz's Grou...

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the implications of a war plan leak occurring from the Editor and Chief of the Atlantic Jeffrey Goldberg being added to a 'Signal' group chat which included Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz. Our hosts also discuss if the the Department of Education dismantled, Senator Ted Cruz funding school voucher advertisements, controversy between Rep. Jasmine Crockett and Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's audit of Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment hearing, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz trip to Fort Bend County with former United States Representative Beto O'Rourke and other news in national and state politics.NATIONAL TOPICS:The war plan leak heard around the world.Is the Department of Education DOA?TEXAS TOPICS:Texas Senator Ted Cruz funds ads on school vouchers.Controversy with Texas Governor Abbott and Rep. Jasmine Crockett.Attorney General Ken Paxton's impeachment audit.Minnesota Governor Tim Walz visits Fort Bend County.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

Oops! Did We Just 'Signal' Our War Plans? Pete Hegseth, JD Vance, and Michael Waltz's Grou...

Listen · 26:46
Governor Greg Abbott's Controversial New Bill Takes Aim at Furries: What's Behind the Furor?

Governor Greg Abbott's Controversial New Bill Takes Aim at Furries: What's Behind the Furor?

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's Continuing Resolution vote upsetting democrats, President Trump resurfacing an 18th c. immigration policy, the potential for a Constitutional crisis, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Congressman Wesley Hunt prepare to run against Senator John Cornyn in 2026, the growing opposition to gaming in Texas, Governor Greg Abbott's new act aimed at 'furry culture', the future of Congressional district 18, and how a stretch of i-35 could be named after Trump.NATIONAL TOPICSSchumer upsets Senate Democrats with Continuing Resolution vote.President Trump resurfaces an 18th c. immigration policy.Does the United States have the potential for a Constitutional crisis?TEXAS TOPICSKen Paxton and Wesley Hunt to run against John Cornyn in 2026.Opposition to gaming in Texas emerges.Governor Greg Abbott takes on 'furry culture' in the new Forbidden Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education (the FURRIES Act).Christian Menefee, Amanda Edwards, Isaiah Martin and Dr. James Joseph to enter to race to fill Congressional district 18 following the passing of Sylvester Turner.A stretch of I-35 may be renamed after Donald Trump.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

Governor Greg Abbott's Controversial New Bill Takes Aim at Furries: What's Behind the Furor?

Listen · 26:46
Political Scandals: Are They Just Noise or Do They Matter?

Political Scandals: Are They Just Noise or Do They Matter?

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss political scandals, if scandals still shape the opinion of voters, their impact on the careers of politicians, and how they can be used to mobilize political bases.TOPICS:Does scandals still matter?Do politicians still have shame?Do voters think about scandals?How scandals mobilize the political base.Implications of scandals.Should we bring back shame for political scandals?The cultural shift of scandals.How local government handles scandals.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

Remembering Sylvester Turner: Celebrating the Legacy of Houston's Beloved Mayor and Congressman

Remembering Sylvester Turner: Celebrating the Legacy of Houston's Beloved Mayor and Congressman

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the passing of Former Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner, President Trump's first address to a joint session of Congress, ramifications of Trump Tariffs, and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick desire to change the name of the New York Strip steak to the Texas strip Steak and other national and state politics.NATIONAL TOPICS:President Trump makes his first address to a joint session of congress.Democrats show their discontent during Trump's address.Ramifications of Trump Tariffs.Is Trump selling the American Dream?TEXAS TOPICSFormer Houston Mayor and Congressman Sylvester Turner Dead at 70.A slim majority of Texas Republicans sign on to school vouchers.Lt. Governor Dan Patrick desire to change the name of the New York Strip Steak to the Texas Strip Steak.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

Remembering Sylvester Turner: Celebrating the Legacy of Houston's Beloved Mayor and Congressman

Listen · 26:46
Texas on the Brink: Will school vouchers transform education or create chaos, and a lottery scandal.

Texas on the Brink: Will school vouchers transform education or create chaos, and a lottery scandal.

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the Texas Lottery scandal, the possibility of the school voucher bill passing, destination gaming coming to Texas, President Trump's upcoming address to the joint session of Congress, and other national and state political news.NATIONAL TOPICSThe House of representatives passes the budget resolution.President Donald Trump to address at joint session of Congress.Federal Election Commission dismisses case against Senator Ted Cruz.TEXAS TOPICSTexas Lottery scandal.Destination gaming may come to Texas.Will Texas school vouchers bill pass?In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

Texas on the Brink: Will school vouchers transform education or create chaos, and a lottery scandal.

Listen · 26:46
Pathways to Peace: The U.S. Moves Towards Reconciliation with Russia

Pathways to Peace: The U.S. Moves Towards Reconciliation with Russia

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss President Trump seeking to restore relations with Russia, Vice President JD Vance's comments at a recent AI Summit, the state of United States and Europe relations, budget wars at the capitol, 17 Department of Justice who resigned over an order to drop New York City Mayor Eric Adams' corruption case, the potential 2026 race between Attorney General Ken Paxton and Senator John Cornyn, Webb County Judge Tano Tijerina gearing up to run against Congressman Henry Cuellar, and the current dynamic of the "Big 3": Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrow, Texas House Representative Dade Phelan & Lt. Governor Dan Patrick.NATIONAL TOPICS:President Trump seeks peace with Russia.Vice President JD Vance AI Summit appearance.U.S. and Europe Relations.Budget Wars.Department of Justice resignations amid Adams case.TEXAS TOPICS:2026 Races: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton vs. Senator John CornynWebb County Judge Tano Tijerina to run against Congressman Henry Cuellar.BIG 3: Speaker of the Texas House Dustin Burrow, Texas House Representative Dade Phelan & Lt. Governor Dan PatrickIn addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

Elon & X Visit Trump for Oval Office Conference. Trump SNUBS Vance?! Steel Tariffs and DOGE vs CFPB.

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Elon Musk and his son X holding a press conference in the Oval Office alongside President Trump, Trump's implementation of a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) targeting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), Trump's refusal to acknowledge Vance as the next presidential candidate, Government Gregg Abbott seeking to recoup $11 billion spend on border security through Project Lone Star, Abbott not being opposed to gambling passing in Texas, and the Texas Senate passing two property tax bills.NATIONAL TOPICSMusk and son meet in the Oval Office with President Trump.Trump implements 25% Tariff on steel and aluminum.DOGE targets the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.Trump refuses to back Vance as next presidential candidate.TEXAS TOPICSGovernor Greg Abbott seeks to recoup $11 billion spent on border security.Could gambling pass in Texas?Texas Senate passes two property tax bills.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).

Elon & X Visit Trump for Oval Office Conference. Trump SNUBS Vance?! Steel Tariffs and DOGE vs CFPB.

Listen · 26:46
Trump's Trade Wars & Big Texas Budgets: School Vouchers & Abbott's State Address

Trump's Trade Wars & Big Texas Budgets: School Vouchers & Abbott's State Address

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Trump's newest trade wars, how democrats are effecting change, big budgets in the Texas House of Representatives and Senate, an update on school vouchers and Governor Greg Abbott's State of the State Address.NATIONAL TOPICSThe trade wars continue.How are democrats effecting change?TEXAS TOPICSMajor Texas House of Representatives and Senate Budgets.School voucher update.Governor Greg Abbott's State of the State Address.In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Trump's Trade Wars & Big Texas Budgets: School Vouchers & Abbott's State Address

Listen · 26:46
Trump's Turbulent Tenure: Executive Orders, Trade Wars & Voter Sentiment

Trump's Turbulent Tenure: Executive Orders, Trade Wars & Voter Sentiment

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss the short-lived trade war with Colombia, Trump's firing of Inspector Generals, the federal funding pause, this week's controversial nominee hearings, if voters are satisfied with Trump's presidency so far, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller rehiring of former aide Todd Smith who pleaded guilty to bribery, the new rules for the Texas House of Representatives and Governor Greg Abbott's upcoming State of the State Address.NATIONAL TOPICSTrade War with Colombia.Trump fires Inspector Generals.Federal Funding Paused.Controversial Nominee Hearings.Are voters satisfied with Trump?TEXAS TOPICSMiller Rehires SmithNew Texas House RulesState of the State AddressIn addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Trump's Turbulent Tenure: Executive Orders, Trade Wars & Voter Sentiment

Listen · 26:46
Trump's Comeback: What Does His Return Mean for America? Reflecting on Biden's Legacy.

Trump's Comeback: What Does His Return Mean for America? Reflecting on Biden's Legacy.

This week, Co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina discuss Donald Trump's return to the White House, a look at Trump's first 100 days, Texas delegation's influence on Trump's presidency, implementation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and what is president Joe Biden's legacy.NATIONAL TOPICS:Donald Trump's return to office.Trump's first 100 days.Implementation of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).President Joe Biden's Legacy.TEXAS TOPIC:The Texas delegation's influence on Trump's presidency.In addition to the YouTube version, you can also enjoy Party Politics on television every Friday night at 8:00pm on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen to the radio broadcast every Friday at 7:30pm on News 88.7. As always, you can subscribe to the audio podcast on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). Join the conversation: Tweet us using #PartyPoliticsPod or email partypoliticspod@houstonpublicmedia.org.

Trump's Comeback: What Does His Return Mean for America? Reflecting on Biden's Legacy.

Listen · 26:46
Party Politics

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